Is It Safe to Drink Chrysanthemum Tea When Pregnant?

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BRIAN M. BOYCE Last Updated: Aug 14, 2017

Brian M. Boyce

Brian Boyce is a competitive fitness athlete and national qualifier in NPC bodybuilding. Owner of a 200-acre farm, he practices sustainable farming as a hobby and contributes to the "Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics" among other publications and clients. Boyce belongs to the American Medical Writers Association and Society of Professional Journalists.

Pregnant women considering drinking chrysanthemum tea should think carefully about doing so because not enough studies have been conducted to guarantee that this tea is safe for pregnant women, and experts think it may stimulate the uterus and potentially cause birth defects.

Long Considered a Problem in Pregnancy

Generally, herbal products are a concern for pregnant women, and experienced herbalists advise pregnant women to consult their doctor before using herbal products. In particular, chrysanthemum tea has been on the list of items to avoid for a long time. Experts believe it may cause early contractions and premature birth. Health care officials in the United States and Canada routinely remind citizens that pregnant women should consult a medical professional about their diet, particularly regarding herbal products.

A Mixed Bag

It's not just the chrysanthemum in the tea that has experts concerned. In 2013, Americans spent $10 billion on tea, according to The Tea Association of the U.S.A. What exactly is in those individual bags can't always be guaranteed. Over the years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cited companies for distributing teas that contain chemicals that range from ephedra to cocaine. Generally, herbal products are not regulated in the same manner as pharmaceuticals, although some claim that herbal products provide similar results. The American Pregnancy Organization urges women to consult with a medical professional before using herbal products of any kind while pregnant -- and that includes chrysanthemum tea.

Energy Booster

Chrysanthemum tea has long been used as a natural energy booster. It is made from the crushed flowers of the chrysanthemum and is typically noncaffeinated, although it provides a natural energy boost. Like other teas, it has been looked to as a remedy for sore throats and other flu-like symptoms. Western medicinal uses have ranged from energy and sore-throat fixes to circulatory issues and varicose veins. Those who are allergic to ragweed and daisies would potentially be allergic to products that contain chrysanthemum. Expectant mothers should avoid chrysanthemum tea for these reasons, as it can potentially cross the placenta and affect the unborn child.

Better Safe Than Sorry

Chrysanthemum tea is described as a danger for pregnant women on multiple levels, which range from the specific ingredients to issues that involve the broader category of herbal products. Across the board, experts advise women to consult medical professionals throughout their pregnancy, particularly when it comes to the substances they consume.